[June 26, 2014](Reuters) - Mabon "Teenie" Hodges, a
rhythm and blues guitarist who co-wrote hits with singer Al Green,
including "Take Me to the River," has died at the age 68 from
complications related to emphysema.

Lawrence Mitchell, Hodges' friend and Royal Studio chief
manager, confirmed the death on Wednesday.

"He was one of the cornerstones of the Memphis sound," Mitchell
said.

Hodges teamed with R&B great Green for numerous hits, including
"Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" and "Love and Happiness." Their
song "Take Me to the River" was a hit for Green and also covered
by artists in various genres, including Tina Turner, Foghat,
Talking Heads, Levon Helm, Tom Jones, the Grateful Dead and
Bryan Ferry.

Hodges, who was given his nickname due to his diminutive size,
also was the guitarist for the Hi Rhythm band, which included
his brothers and was considered the house band for the Hi
Records label in the 1960s and '70s and helped make Memphis,
Tennessee, a hotbed of soul and R&B recording.

The band played at the South by Southwest Music festival in
Austin, Texas, in March, with promoters saying: "Hearing Teenie
sing his songs live with Hi Rhythm is a rare treat for any music
fan."